skip to main content

Black Tie wedding attire

19 years ago

We are going to a black tie wedding in about 3 weeks. My husband is wearing a black suit,with a tuxedo shirt,and bow tie......Now,for me; I havn't got my dress yet;plan to go this week. Does it have to be LONG,or will a dressy street length be appropriate?
Dotty

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

Dotty9
Original Author
19 years ago
It's just me again; Also,is a dressy pant suit appropriate?
Dotty
colleenoz
19 years ago
Well, to me, "Black Tie" indicates formal- men in tuxedos, women in long evening wear. I wouldn't wear even the dressiest pants suit. Perhaps you could canvas other guests of this wedding as to what they intend to wear. Not everyone goes strictly by the rules any more.
Related Discussions
Proper wedding attire
Q
Comments (5)
I think it would depend on how fancy/formal the wedding is, and at what time of day. Just from "small church" and "southern california" it's hard to tell. Do you have the invitations yet? Venue and style can give clues. A nighttime reception at a country club, for instance, would indicate more formal to me, even if the invitations do not specify a dress code.
...See More
Help! wedding attire
Q
Comments (2)
I think the outfits you have with the skirt would be fine, but if you want something new, get one of those black dresses and wear a pretty shawl or jacket with it. 4:30 is still afternoon, so I would stay away from evening fabrics and trims. You can't go wrong with something very simple and classic; that way, if people are wearing party clothes or if they are wearing tailored suits, you're still fine. And a "little black dress," with something colored (shawl, scarf, etc.) and with pearls if you have them, is the champion! Have fun.
...See More
Another wedding attire question
Q
Comments (65)
I'm not sure it's an east/west coast thing that's determining what people wear as much as it may be a social class thing. I'm on the east coast and I've been to formal events with more white collar folks and everyone was dressed very formally. And then I have been to, eg, a wake with a more blue collar group and saw cut off shorts and sandals and cowboy boots and jeans. Then there was my uncle from FL whose only apparent suit was a mustard polyester leisure suit from the 70s which he wore to his mother's funeral...I guess I can give him credit for still fitting into the thing decades later...
...See More
Wedding attire question
Q
Comments (44)
Such pretty dresses posted here. I love both, jojoco. I was actually leaning toward the floral for a November wedding, but both are stunning. The SPLC is so very elegant, you cannot go wrong with it. I like the advice to take both and see how you feel that day. The green and black dress your friend is wearing for the rehearsal dinner is gorgeous.
...See More
sweet_pea10
19 years ago
I agree. Black tie is too formal for pants of any style.
nancylouise5me
19 years ago
Have to agree with the other posters, pant suits are not formal wear attire. Long dresses or gowns are appropriate. You want to look as formal as your husband. Go long and classy. NancyLouise
Dotty9
Original Author
19 years ago
Thank you all for your opinions.Even though I have dressy pant suits,I really didn't plan on wearing one,just wanted opinions; I love dressing up,and wearing long dresses,so really am looking forward to it.Thank you all.
Dotty
gellchom
19 years ago
Well, this may be yet another thing that varies with community, but for what it's worth: around here, when the invitation says "black tie," the women wear very dressy outfits, and what that means varies from year to year. In the last few years, at black tie weddings, I have seen long dresses, dressy short dresses, and plenty of dressy pants outfits, too (and I've worn all three myself and felt fine in each). It seems to be more the fabrics, trims, and cut (low neck or back, short skirt, tight, etc.), and even accessories (sparkling jewelry, evening bag, party shoes) that make the difference than length of skirt or skirt vs. pants.

Dotty says she wants to wear a long dress anyway, so this is not relevant to her, but in case someone else reading this thread already has a party outfit that has pants, she should know she can go ahead and wear it to a black tie event (at least here, she could) and not have to run out and buy something new because pants are "forbidden."

Related Stories

DECORATING GUIDES Say 'I Do' to Beautiful Wedding Memory Displays

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

You'll love and cherish these creative vignettes, artwork and more that keep the happiness of your special day at hand

WEDDINGS How One Couple Got a Perfectly Intimate Backyard Wedding

By Lauren Piasecki/Black Cherry Design

Vintage pieces, natural materials and close family and friends are an ideal combination for a Pittsburgh couple

BATHROOM DESIGN 11 Smashing Black Bathrooms

By Becky Harris

Going dark in the bath amps up the drama and lets metallic finishes shine

COLOR PALETTES Bet on Black and Red for a Winning Combination

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

A striking look is a sure thing when you pair red and black around the home

FALL AND THANKSGIVING It's Black and White and Fall All Over in a Holiday-Happy Home

Get inspired for budget-friendly fall decorating by a resourceful stylist's thrifty but sophisticated adornments

Guest Picks: Fun Fabrics to Perk Up Your Place

By Barbara Matson

Go for striking patterns and rich colors to stir up drama, add a whimsical touch or tie a room together

KITCHEN DESIGN Houzz Call: Pros, Show Us Your Latest Kitchen!

By Vanessa Brunner

Tiny, spacious, modern, vintage ... whatever kitchen designs you've worked on lately, we'd like to see

DECORATING GUIDES Houzz Call: Show Us Your Christmas Tablescape

By Becky Harris

Do you bring out the good silver, candles, berries and greens for your holiday table? If so, we'd like to see it

ARCHITECTURE Houzz Call: Show Us Your Logo!

By Annie Thornton

A picture is worth a thousand words, but your company’s symbol may be worth its weight in gold. We’d like to hear the graphic details

DECORATING GUIDES TGIR: The Case of the Disappearing TV

By Mary Jo Bowling

They Got It Right: If you can’t beat it, camouflage it. See how these designers made TV screens almost unnoticeable

Sponsored

More Discussions

Splitting up recently married couple- one in wedding party and one out

2